Keygeek Keylin vs. Haimu Orange Sea

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Keylin and Haimu Orange Sea offer unique experiences, despite both being linear switches. The Keylin is celebrated for its premium typing experience, thanks to new molds from Keygeek that contribute to rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness. It appeals to users who prioritize a tactile yet quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea is recognized for its impeccably smooth feel and neutral sound signature, making it an inviting choice for those seeking a seamless key press without distracting noise. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, the Keylin leans more toward acoustical richness, while the Orange Sea offers a clean and understated typing experience. Ultimately, your choice may come down to personal preference for sound and feel; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.

By the numbers

Keygeek Keylin Linear

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Keylin and the Haimu Orange Sea, it is essential to note that their top housings differ significantly. The Keylin utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is recognized for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer and more absorbent nature. In contrast, the Orange Sea features polycarbonate as its top housing material, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This difference in material not only affects the acoustic quality of the switches but also influences the overall typing experience. The nylon provides a warmer sound that emphasizes a subdued resonance, while the polycarbonate enhances clarity and brightness, particularly valuable in setups that include RGB lighting due to its translucency.

While the top housings of the Keylin and Orange Sea clearly illustrate contrasting acoustic profiles, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material: nylon. This uniformity suggests that both switches will exhibit similar low-frequency characteristics and a softer, more rounded sound when bottoming out. The nylon bottom housing contributes to the overall typing feel, as it dampens sound and vibrations when the key is fully pressed down, regardless of the differences in the top housings. This consistency in material provides a foundation that allows users to enjoy a harmonious typing experience with both switches, focusing on the qualities imparted by the respective top housing materials.

Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in the Keylin and Orange Sea switches delivers a distinctive typing experience, influenced by their respective top materials while maintaining a shared characteristic in the bottom housing. The different top materials result in divergent sound profiles that cater to varying preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom housing reinforces the tactile feedback and dampening effects on both switches, ensuring that the sound and feel differences primarily reveal themselves when considering the top housing. Thus, while one can expect a rounder sound from the Keylin and a clearer sound from the Orange Sea, both switches capitalize on the classic nylon's comforting characteristics at the bottom level.

Weight

When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, we can observe some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Keylin features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Orange Sea has a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a lower bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that both switches are categorized as light, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. However, the Keylin switch requires a marginally greater force to actuate and bottom out when compared to the Orange Sea, signifying that users may experience a slightly different feel depending on the switch they choose. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Haimu Orange Sea is the better option, while the Keylin switch offers a slightly heavier push for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, although both switches are light, the Keylin provides a bit more resistance, which could influence the preference of individual users based on their typing style.

Travel distance

The Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that when you press down on a key, you will experience the same distance of movement for both switches. Since their travel distances are identical, you can expect similar tactile feedback and responsiveness when using either switch in your keyboard. This equivalence in travel distance ensures a consistent experience whether you choose the Keylin or the Orange Sea, providing a uniformity that can be beneficial for typists and gamers alike.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Keygeek Keylin linear switch is renowned for its rich acoustics, which contribute to a premium auditory experience during typing. While specific sound characteristics are not detailed, the suggestion of "rich acoustics" implies that it likely has a deeper and more resonant tone in comparison to typical linear switches. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea switches provide a neutral sound signature, meaning they deliver a more balanced auditory experience without strong highs or lows. This neutrality may appeal to those who prefer a more understated sound profile. It’s important to note that the final sound perception can vary significantly based on the combination of the keyboard housing, the keycaps used, and even the typing surface.

As for feel, the Keylin switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness, setting a high bar for a seamless typing experience. This smoothness likely minimizes any scratchiness commonly associated with lower-quality switches, making it a suitable choice for fast and comfortable typing. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are characterized by a medium tactile experience, described as "accented." This means they provide noticeable feedback without being overwhelming, which can enhance typing precision. The invigorating feel of the Orange Sea switches, with their pronounced actuation force and reactive nature, creates an engaging and immersive typing sensation. Users can expect a snappy response, adding to the overall enjoyment of the typing experience.

In summary, both the Keygeek Keylin and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Keylin excels in providing rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness for a premium feel, while the Orange Sea combines an invigorating typing experience with its neutral sound and accented feedback. Although they each possess their individual strengths, users may find common ground in their smoothness and overall typing enjoyment, making either choice a viable option for newcomers seeking a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, your decision will largely hinge on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you prioritize a premium feel with rich acoustics, the Keylin switch, with its smooth performance and slightly heavier bottom-out force of 48 grams, is an excellent choice. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate an immersive and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter actuation and a more neutral sound signature, the Orange Sea’s 45 grams of actuation force coupled with its impeccably smooth type feel would likely serve you better. Furthermore, if you seek accents similar to tactile switches—providing notable feedback without overwhelming tactility—the Orange Sea is designed to deliver that invigorating sensation. Ultimately, consider how you want your keyboard to feel and sound; your choice between these two switches can greatly influence your overall typing enjoyment.

Mentioned in this article

Keygeek Keylin Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more